Eileen Benthal

I need to apologize to Ava Robinson of Aquebogue. Somehow I missed her announcement for my column in early March. Ava is an avid doll collector — from the 1920s to the present — and competes in doll shows all over Long Island. On Jan. 25, Ava attended the Patchogue Doll Fanciers Club show at the UpSky Hotel in Hauppauge and won 12 ribbons. (more…)

It’s beginning to look a lot like spring. I have been running around my house singing those words. This familiar Christmas song is being transformed into a tune of hope and it’s echoed in the birds singing in my yard. I actually ran out wearing just a sweatshirt the other day. It’s not yet time to pack up the winter coats and hats but the sunshine and warmer temperatures are definitely a sign that spring is on its way. (more…)

Happy birthday to Alexus Van Helmond of Jamesport. Alexus, who is up at college in Vermont, will be 19 on Feb. 28. Happy birthday, with love from your dad.

Congratulations to Bob and Paulette Sikora, who will soon be grandparents to a new baby boy. Their daughter, Ashley Sikora Pamer, is due May 1. The Sikoras celebrated their upcoming arrival with a baby shower Feb. 21 at The Birchwood of Polish Town. Many family members and friends attended, including Ashley’s godmother and 94-year-old aunt, Julia Praino. Ashley received many lovely gifts and a beautiful diaper cake made by Kerin Collins Voytek. Ashley and her husband, Greg, live in Baltimore, Md. (more…)

Happy New Year! I hope your holidays were filled with much love and the magic of the season and you spent quality time with family and friends. I also hope you’re ready to face 2015 with courage and determination! I know that I am. I have a lot of goals for this year, not the least of which is to get my house cleaned out and organized.

Living Water Church presents its show, “The Wonder of Christmas,” Dec. 11-13 at 7:30 p.m. and Sunday, Dec. 14, at 3 p.m. I have attended this event for many years and it’s always been special. This presentation will definitely put you in the Christmas spirit. Tickets — $24 for adults and $19 for ages 62 and over and children under 17 — can be purchased online at lwfgc.org or by calling 722-4969. (more…)